Whether you’re a determined college graduate or an eager recruiter seeking a qualified candidate, let’s filter through some of the qualities that make a well-rounded technician:
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Foundational Skills and Knowledge
It’s essential to start building a solid foundation of the technical and diagnostic skills required for the diesel industry, such as understanding brakes, fluids, and engines. The foundational skills can come from courses, certificates, and degrees for the basic skills and principles within the diesel industry, allowing further skills and knowledge to expand throughout a successful career.
Understands Different Engines
Technicians will come across various engine types, all with different components and functions, such as compression and spark ignitions along with alternative fuel types using the same engine for both. This is why the technician must familiarize themselves with these different ignition systems such as on hybrids they may have never worked on to create a versatile skillset that makes diagnosing a vehicle much easier in the long run.
Informed on the Latest Diagnostics
Staying informed about the latest diagnostic tools and technologies is crucial. Moving forward with our last suggestion, being updated on the latest diagnostic tools can make servicing a vehicle much more seamless for the fleet. This is why it’s recommended to attend workshops, seminars, and training sessions to enhance diagnostic and troubleshooting skills.
Problem Solver / Troubleshooter
Being able to sort problems logically into manageable steps is crucial in finding the proper solutions. Decision-making is a huge part of the role, as making the wrong decisions repeatedly can be costly for fleets. As an effective problem solver, planning before wasting time on costly mistakes is significant.
Follows Safety Procedures
Safety procedures should be familiar and prioritized. By familiarizing oneself with safety procedures and regulations, technicians can follow them to ensure the well-being of themselves and their colleagues in the shop. When a technician begins a role, the safety procedures should be reviewed with the technician so they know what is expected of them at the shop and can follow through with the standards.
Attention to Detail
Attention to detail should never be overlooked. It’s important to be cautious and aware through precise observations and following protocols accurately to avoid any errors. Paying attention to detail can help reduce mistakes and therefore increase uptime and enhance shop performance.
Respect and Positive Attitude
Being able to display respect and a positive attitude toward colleagues, customers, and other personnel is crucial. Part of respect is always being punctual, attentive, and friendly to those in the shop. This all, in turn, leads to a positive work environment.
Strong Communication Skills
Strong communication skills are crucial to success when it comes to both customers and colleagues. Interpersonal skills, attentive listening, and clear communication can help streamline interactions, making the shop a comfortable place to work and allowing for smoother completion of tasks.
Team Player and Collaborator
A team player will hold a collaborative mindset that allows them to work with a team willingly. All while supporting their teammates, sharing knowledge, and contributing to a work environment leads to productivity. When a team works together, there is a much stronger outcome due to the different ideas and productivity placed into a goal.
Enthusiasm for the Job
Demonstrating enthusiasm and the eagerness to learn and grow within the job is telling about the mindset of a technician. Taking the initiative to tackle more responsibilities, seeking professional development, and wanting to take on new challenges allows management to see the willingness to grow as a technician.
Becoming a well-rounded technician is a journey that doesn’t stop once a technician gets the job and enters the door. Being able to continuously stay updated with industry trends, improving skills, and maintaining a positive attitude allows the entry-level job seeker to move toward becoming a master technician.
